Surgical staples with expandable backspan

ABSTRACT

A surgical staple includes a body having a first leg, a second leg, and a backspan. The first and second legs each have a first end portion and a second end portion. The backspan has a first portion, a second portion, and a third portion. The first portion of the backspan includes a looped member having a first end portion and a second end portion. The second portion of the backspan extends between the first end portion of the first leg and the first end portion of the looped member. The third portion of the backspan extends between the first end portion of the second leg and the second end portion of the looped member. The second portion of the backspan and the third portion of the backspan are in lateral contact.

BACKGROUND 1. Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to surgical staples for use with surgical stapling instruments. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to surgical staples for use with surgical stapling instruments for joining tissue of varying thicknesses.

2. Background of Related Art

Surgical staples are applied to tissue using surgical stapling instruments to join tissue or tissue segments in a fast and efficient manner in a variety of surgical procedures, e.g., anastomoses procedures.

Typically, a surgical staple includes a backspan and a pair of spaced legs. The legs are driven through tissue and into an anvil assembly of a surgical stapling instrument to deform the staple into a desired configuration, e.g., B-staple, to effect hemostasis. Current surgical staples are particularly sized and suited for tissue of a given thickness range to effect hemostasis. As such, a clinician must choose a staple having an appropriate size for a given tissue thickness range to ensure effective hemostasis. If the tissue thickness is misidentified by the clinician or if the tissue thickness falls near the outer edges of the range for a given staple size, the likelihood of ineffective hemostasis is increased.

Accordingly, a continuing need exists in the suturing arts for a surgical staple that is capable of accommodating a greater range of tissue thicknesses to provide the clinician greater flexibility when performing a variety of surgical procedures.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure provides in one aspect a surgical staple including a body having a first leg, a second leg, and a backspan. The first and second legs each have a first end portion and a second end portion. The backspan has a first portion, a second portion, and a third portion. The first portion of the backspan includes a looped member having a first end portion and a second end portion. The second portion of the backspan extends between the first end portion of the first leg and the first end portion of the looped member. The third portion of the backspan extends between the first end portion of the second leg and the second end portion of the looped member. The second portion of the backspan and the third portion of the backspan are in substantial lateral contact.

In certain embodiments, the second portion of the backspan extends in a direction parallel to the third portion of the backspan.

In some embodiments, the looped member of the backspan extends transversely between the second portion of the backspan and the third portion of the backspan.

In certain embodiments, the looped member of the backspan defines an axis that extends between a first end portion of the second portion of the backspan and a first end portion of the third portion of the backspan.

In some embodiments, the second portion of the backspan defines a first axis and the third portion of the backspan defines a second axis, wherein the first axis of the second portion is laterally offset from the second axis of the third portion to define an offset distance between the first axis of the second portion and the second axis of the third portion.

In certain embodiments, the looped member of the backspan includes an apex, the second portion of the backspan includes a first mid-portion, and the third portion of the backspan includes a second mid-portion. The apex of the looped member and the first and second mid-portions of the second and third portions of the backspan, define an axis that is perpendicular to the first axis of the second portion and the second axis of the third portion.

In some embodiments, the offset distance between the first axis of the second portion and the second axis of the third portion is equal to a diameter of the body of the surgical staple.

In certain embodiments, the surgical staple includes an unformed configuration and a formed configuration. In the unformed configuration of the surgical staple, the apex of the looped member of the backspan is spaced apart from each of the second portion and the third portion of the backspan a first distance. In the formed configuration of the surgical staple, the apex of the looped member of the backspan is spaced apart from each of the second portion and the third portion of the backspan a second distance that is less than the first distance of the unformed configuration.

In some embodiments, the surgical staple is deformable from the unformed configuration to the formed configuration upon engagement with tissue, wherein in the formed configuration of the surgical staple, the second distance between the apex of the looped member of the backspan and each of the second portion and the third portion of the backspan decreases as a thickness of tissue engaged by the backspan increases.

In certain embodiments, in the formed configuration of the surgical staple, the first leg is positioned on a first lateral side of the looped member and the second leg is positioned on a second lateral side of the looped member opposite the first lateral side of the looped member.

The present disclosure provides in another aspect a surgical staple including a body having a first leg, a second leg, and a backspan. The first and second legs each have a first end portion and a second end portion. The backspan has a first portion, a second portion, and a third portion. The first portion of the backspan has a looped member including a first end portion and a second end portion. The second portion of the backspan extends longitudinally between the first end portion of the first leg and the first end portion of the looped member. The third portion of the backspan extends longitudinally between the first end portion of the second leg and the second end portion of the looped member. The second portion of the backspan is positioned in close alignment with the third portion of the backspan.

In some embodiments, the second portion of the backspan extends in a direction parallel to the third portion of the backspan.

In certain embodiments, the looped member of the backspan includes an apex, the second portion of the backspan includes a first mid-portion, and the third portion of the backspan includes a second mid-portion. The apex of the looped member and the first and second mid-portions of the second and third portions of the backspan defining an axis that is parallel to at least one of the first leg and the second leg.

In some embodiments, the surgical staple is deformable from an unformed configuration to a formed configuration. In the formed configuration of the surgical staple, the second end portion of the first leg is positioned on a first lateral side of the looped member of the backspan and the second end portion of the second leg is positioned on a second lateral side of the looped member of the backspan, opposite the first lateral side of the looped member of the backspan.

In certain embodiments, the second portion of the backspan and the third portion of the backspan are in lateral contact.

The present disclosure provides in yet another aspect a staple cartridge assembly for use with a surgical stapling instrument including a plurality of surgical staples, a staple cartridge, and a plurality of pushers. The plurality of surgical staples are in a spaced relation to each other and each includes a first leg, a second leg, and a backspan. The first and second legs each have a first end portion and a second end portion. The backspan has a first portion, a second portion, and a third portion. The first portion of the backspan includes a looped member having a first end portion and a second end portion. The second portion of the backspan extends between the first end portion of the first leg and the first end portion of the looped member. The third portion of the backspan extends between the first end portion of the second leg and the second end portion of the looped member. The staple cartridge has a plurality of staple pockets disposed in rows and skewingly positioned relative to a longitudinal axis of the staple cartridge. Each of the plurality of staple pockets is configured to receive at least one of the plurality of surgical staples such that the first leg and the second leg of each of the plurality of surgical staples is longitudinally aligned relative to the first leg and the second leg of each of the other plurality of surgical staples. Each of the plurality of pushers is associated with a respective one of the plurality of staple pockets. Each of the plurality of pushers is configured to advance one of the plurality of surgical staples from the respective one of the plurality of staple pockets.

In some embodiments, each of the plurality of staple pockets includes a contour having a first segment shaped and dimensioned to receive the first leg of the surgical staple, a second segment shaped and dimensioned to receive the second leg of the surgical staple, and an intermediate segment shaped and dimensioned to receive the backspan of the surgical staple. The contour of each of the plurality of staple pockets is skewingly positioned relative to the longitudinal axis of the staple cartridge.

In certain embodiments, each of the plurality of pushers includes a staple seat configured to releasably receive a respective backspan of each of the plurality of surgical staples, the staple seat being skewingly positioned relative to a longitudinal axis of each of the plurality of pushers. The staple seat of each of the plurality of pushers is adapted to align each of the plurality of surgical staples with each of the plurality of staple pockets of the staple cartridge.

In some embodiments, the staple seat of each of the plurality of pushers includes a first wall projecting from a first portion of the staple seat, and a second wall projecting from a second portion of the staple seat, the first wall and the second wall defining a skewed channel extending between the first portion of the staple seat and the second portion of the staple seat, the skewed channel being skewingly positioned relative to the longitudinal axis of the pusher.

In certain embodiments, the skewed channel of the staple seat of each of the plurality of pushers is adapted to releasably receive the respective backspan of each of the plurality of surgical staples such that each of the plurality of surgical staples are skewingly positioned on the staple seat of each of the plurality of pushers relative to the longitudinal axis of each of the plurality of pushers.

In some embodiments, when each of the plurality of surgical staples are positioned on a respective staple seat of each of the plurality of pushers, the first wall of respective staple seat is configured to engage the second portion of the respective backspan of each of the plurality of surgical staples and the second wall of the respective staple seat is configured to engage the third portion of the respective backspan of each of the plurality of surgical staples to releasably receive the respective backspan of each of the plurality of surgical staples.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various embodiments of the presently disclosed expandable backspan staples and cartridges for supporting the staples are disclosed herein with reference to the drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the presently disclosed surgical staple, illustrating the surgical staple in a unformed configuration;

FIG. 2 is a front view of the surgical staple of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a top view of the surgical staple of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4A is a front view of the surgical staple of FIG. 1 in a formed configuration engaging tissue having a first thickness;

FIG. 4B is a front view of the surgical staple of FIG. 1 in the formed configuration engaging tissue having a second larger thickness;

FIG. 4C is a front view of the surgical staple of FIG. 1 in the formed configuration engaging tissue having a third even larger thickness;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a surgical stapling instrument including a cartridge that supports the surgical staples of FIG. 1 with a tool assembly of the surgical stapling instrument in an unclamped position;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a loading unit of the surgical stapling instrument of FIG. 5 with the tool assembly of the loading unit in the unclamped position;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the tool assembly of FIG. 6 in the clamped position;

FIG. 8 is an exploded view of a staple cartridge assembly of the loading unit of FIG. 6;

FIG. 9 is a top view of a staple cartridge of the staple cartridge assembly of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is an enlarged view of the indicated area of detail delineated as 10 in FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is an enlarged view of the indicated area of detail delineated as 11 in FIG. 8;

FIG. 12 is a side, perspective view of a pusher of the staple cartridge assembly of FIG. 8;

FIG. 13 is a side, perspective view of the pusher of FIG. 12 with a plurality the surgical staples of FIG. 1 disposed on the pusher;

FIG. 14 is a top view of the pusher of FIG. 12;

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view taken along section lines “15-15” of FIG. 7 with tissue having a first thickness clamped within the tool assembly of the loading unit; and

FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view taken along section lines “16-16” of FIG. 7 with tissue having a second thickness clamped within the tool assembly of the loading unit.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Embodiments of the presently disclosed surgical staple will now be described in detail with reference to the drawings wherein like references numerals identify similar or identical elements. In the drawings, and in the following description, the term “proximal” should be understood to refer to that portion or end of the instrument that is closest to a user during proper use, while the term “distal” should be understood to refer to that portion or end of the instrument that is furthest from a user during proper use, as is traditional and conventional in the art.

Referring initially to FIGS. 1-3, an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is shown generally as a surgical staple 100. The surgical staple 100 includes a body 10 having a backspan 12, a first leg 14, and a second leg 16. The surgical staple 100 has an unformed configuration, as shown in FIGS. 1-3, wherein the first leg 14 and the second leg 16 are parallel, or substantially parallel, to one another and spaced a distance from one another. Alternatively, in the unformed configuration, the first and second legs 14, 16 can diverge slightly or converge slightly, etc. in relation to each other.

Each of the first and second legs 14, 16 includes a first end portion 14 a, 16 a, respectively, and a second end portion 14 b, 16 b, respectively. Each of the second end portions 14 b, 16 b of the first and second legs 14, 16 includes a tissue-penetrating tip 14 c, 16 c. In one embodiment, each of the tissue-penetrating tips 14 c, 16 c of the respective first and second legs 14, 16 of the surgical staple 100 can be formed with beveled or tapered end to facilitate penetration of the first and second legs 14, 16 into tissue “T” (see FIGS. 4A-4C). Alternately, the tissue penetrating tips 14 c, 16 c of the respective first and second legs 14, 16 of the surgical staple 100 need not be tapered, can be tapered in a different direction, or can define a conical or flat surface.

With continued reference to FIGS. 1-3, the backspan 12 includes a first portion 12 a having a looped member 18, a second portion 20 that is substantially linear and extends between the first end portion 14 a of the first leg 14 and a first end portion 18 a of the looped member 18, and a third portion 22 that is substantially linear and extends between the first end portion 16 a of the second leg 16 and a second end portion 18 b of the looped member 18. The looped member 18 of the backspan 12 includes an arcuate portion 24 that extends between the second and third portions 20, 22 of the backspan 12. In the unformed configuration of the surgical staple 100, the second portion 20 of the backspan 12 may be substantially parallel to the third portion 22 of the backspan 12 and in lateral contact or close alignment with the third portion 22 of the backspan 12, as illustrated in FIG. 1.

In embodiments, the arcuate portion 24 of the looped member 18 extends transversely between the second portion 20 and the third portion 22 of the backspan 12. In the unformed configuration of the surgical staple 100, the second portion 20 of the backspan 12 defines an axis “X1-X1” and the third portion 22 of the backspan 12 defines an axis “X2-X2”. The axis “X1-X1” of the second portion 20 and the axis “X2-X2” of the third portion 22 may be laterally offset from each other an offset distance “OD”. It is envisioned that the offset distance “OD” between the axis “X1-X1” of the second portion 20 and the axis “X2-X2” of the third portion 22 may be substantially equal to a diameter “BD” of the body 10 of the surgical staple 100 such that the second portion 20 and the third portion 22 are closely positioned or in contact with each other.

The arcuate portion 24 of the looped member 18 defines an axis “X3-X3” that extends between a first end portion 20 a of the second portion 20 of the backspan 12 and a first end portion 22 a of the third end portion 22 of the backspan 12. In embodiments, the looped member 18 and the second and third portions 20, 22 may define an enclosed opening 26 which may have a circular or oval configuration. It is envisioned that the arcuate portion 24 of the looped member 18 of the backspan 12 can be formed having any desired radius of curvature to suit a particular need, surgical procedure, or range of tissue thicknesses (as will be discussed below). It is also envisioned that the opening 26 defined by the backspan 12 need not be circular or oval but rather may have other configurations, such as, for example, U-shaped, trapezoidal, rectangular, etc. The backspan can have other shapes, such as round, rectilinear, etc., and the member 18 can be straight, angled or curved. Further, in embodiments, the backspan 12 may include more than one looped member 18.

The body 10 of the surgical staple 100 can have a circular cross-section throughout its length. Alternatively, it is envisioned that the body 10 of the surgical staple 100 may have a variety of different cross-sectional shapes including rectangular, oval, square, triangular, trapezoidal, etc. It is also envisioned that the backspan 12 of the surgical staple 100 and the first and second legs 14, 16 of the surgical staple 100 may have different cross-sectional shapes. For example, in one embodiment, the backspan 12 of the surgical staple 100 can have a rectangular cross-sectional shape and the first and second legs 14, 16 of the surgical staple 100 can have an oval cross-sectional shape.

The surgical staple 100 may be fabricated from a formable material, such as, for example, titanium, stainless steel or a variety of different bio-compatible polymers. In this manner, the surgical staple 100 may be introduced over tissue while in an unformed configuration, and then deformed or fastened onto the tissue to secure the surgical staple 100 to the tissue. It is contemplated that the surgical staple 100 may be fabricated from any non-degradable, biocompatible material known by those having skill in the art.

Referring now to FIGS. 4A-4C, in some embodiments, the first and second legs 14, 16 of the surgical staple 100 are deformed against an anvil assembly 1400 (see FIG. 5) of a surgical stapling instrument 1000 into a substantially B-shaped staple configuration. Since the first and second legs 14, 16 of the surgical staple 100 extend from the second and third portions 20, 22 of the backspan 12, respectively, and the axis “X1-X1” of the second portion 20 and the axis “X2-X2” of the third portion 22 are laterally offset from each other by the offset distance “OD,” which is substantially equal to the diameter “BD” of the body 10 of the surgical staple 100, it is envisioned that in the formed configuration of the surgical staple 100, the first leg 14 of the surgical staple 100 is positioned on a first lateral side 24 a of the arcuate portion 24 of the looped member 18 and the second leg 16 is positioned on a second, opposite lateral side 24 b of the arcuate portion 24 of the looped member 18 (see FIGS. 3, 4A, and 4B).

In the formed configuration, the arcuate portion 24 of the looped member 18 of the backspan 12 is configured to deform relative to the second and third portions 20, 22 of the backspan 12, wherein the first and second transverse portions 20, 22 of the looped member 18 of the backspan 12 remain substantially linear. Specifically, the deformation of the backspan 12 of the surgical staple 100 is dependent upon a thickness, e.g., “T1,” “T2,” “T3,” etc., of the tissue “T” to be fastened. Initially, in the unformed configuration of the surgical staple 100, the looped member 18 of the backspan 12 includes an uncompressed distance “D1” between an apex 24 c of the arcuate portion 24 of the looped member 18 and the second and third portions 20, 22 of the backspan 12, as illustrated in FIG. 2. In some embodiments, it is contemplated that the apex 24 c of the arcuate portion 24 and a mid-portion “M1” (see FIG. 1) of the second portion 20 of the backspan 12 and a mid-portion “M2” (see FIG. 1) of the third portion 22 of the backspan 12 defines an axis “X4-X4” that is substantially parallel to at least one of the first and second legs 14, 16 of the surgical staple 100 and/or substantially perpendicular to the axis “X1-X1” of the second portion 20 of the backspan 12 and the axis “X2-X2” of the third portion 22 of the backspan 12. Upon engagement with the tissue “T,” the looped member 18 of the backspan 12 is compressed between the tissue “T” and anvil assembly 1400 (see FIG. 5) of a surgical stapling instrument 1000 such that, the looped member 18 of the backspan 12 defines a compressed distance “D2” between the apex 24 c of the arcuate portion 24 of the looped member 18 and the second and third portions 20, 22 of the backspan 12, as illustrated in FIGS. 4A-4C. As the looped member 18 contacts tissue “T” positioned between the first and second legs 14 and the looped member 18 as the staples 100 are deformed, the distance “D2” decreases an amount that is directly related to the thickness of the tissue “T”. More specifically, as the thickness of the tissue increases, the force applied to the looped member 18 by the tissue “T” positioned between the first and second legs 14, 16 and the looped member 18 of the staples 100 as the staples 100 are deformed increases, to increase the amount of deformation of the looped member 18.

FIG. 4A illustrates a staple 100 as the staple 100 is formed in relatively thin tissue “T” having a first thickness “T1”. As the staple 100 is deformed about relatively thin tissue “T” having a thickness “T1”, the tissue “T” is compressed between the first and second legs 14, 16 and the looped member 18 of the staples 100. As the first and second legs 14, 16 of the staple 100 are deformed into a B-configuration against the anvil assembly 1400 of the surgical stapling instrument 1000 (FIG. 5), the first and second legs 14, 16 push tissue “T” towards and against the looped member 18 of the backspan 12. Because the anvil assembly 1400 is disposed a fixed distance from the cartridge assembly 1300 when the stapling instrument is fired (as described in detail below), all of the tissue “T” must fit between the first and second legs 14, 16 and the looped member 18 of the backspan 12. Thus, where the tissue “T” is relatively thin, the tissue does not apply any substantial forces onto the looped member 18 as the first and second legs 14, 16 are deformed and little or no deformation to the looped member 18 occurs. Thus, the distance “D2” between the apex 24 c of the arcuate portion 24 of the looped member 18 and the second and third portions 20, 22 of the surgical staples 100 remains substantially unchanged or only decreases slightly. Referring to FIG. 4B, where the tissue “T” has a moderate thickness of “T2”, the tissue “T” requires more space between the first and second legs 14, 16 and the looped member 18 of the backspan 12. Thus, as the first and second legs 14, 16 are deformed against the anvil assembly 1400 and the tissue “T” is pushed towards the looped member 18 of the backspan 12, a greater force is applied to the looped member 18 to cause greater amount of deformation of the looped member 18 of the backspan 12. Thus, the distance “D2” between the apex 24 c of the arcuate portion 24 of the looped member 18 and the second and third portions 20, 22 of the backspan 12 of the surgical staple 100 decreases a moderate amount. Similarly, where the tissue “T” has a large thickness of “T3” as shown in FIG. 4C, the tissue “T” requires even more space between the first and second legs 14, 16 and the looped member 18 of the backspan 12 as the staple 100 is deformed. Thus, as the first and second legs 14, 16 are deformed against the anvil assembly 1400 and the tissue “T” is pushed towards the looped member 18 of the backspan 12, an even greater force is applied to the looped member 18 to cause a greater amount of deformation of the looped member 18 of the backspan 12 to further reduce the distance D2″ between the apex 24 c of the arcuate portion 24 of the looped member 18 and the second and third portions 20, 22 of the backspan 12 of the surgical staple 100.

As illustrated in FIGS. 4A-4C, it is envisioned that the arcuate portion 24 of the looped member 18 of the backspan 12 becomes progressively more linear as the thickness of the tissue “T” increases. The ability of the backspan 12 of the surgical staple 100 to deform in accordance with the relative thickness of the tissue “T” facilitates the use of the presently disclosed staples with tissue having a wider range of thicknesses while providing effective hemostasis.

In order to place the presently disclosed surgical staple 100 in the tissue “T,” a surgical apparatus in the form of the surgical stapling instrument 1000 is provided, as illustrated in FIG. 5. The surgical stapling instrument 1000 is approximated and fired similarly to, and in accordance with other known surgical stapling instrument, for example, the surgical stapling instrument disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,865,361, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference.

As illustrated in FIG. 5, the surgical stapling instrument 1000 generally includes a handle assembly 1002 with a movable handle 1003 a and a stationary handle 1003 b, an elongated shaft 1004 extending distally from the handle assembly 1002, and a loading unit 1008 that is coupled to a distal portion of the elongated shaft 1004. In any of the embodiments disclosed herein, the handle assembly can include, or be attached to, one or more motors, or could be configured to work with a surgical robotic system.

With reference to FIGS. 6-8, the loading unit 1008 of the surgical stapling instrument 1000 includes a tool assembly 1200 having a staple cartridge assembly 1300 housing a plurality of surgical staples 100 (see FIG. 8) and an anvil assembly 1400 movably secured in relation to the staple cartridge assembly 1300 such that the tool assembly 1200 is movable between an open configuration (see FIG. 6) where the staple cartridge assembly 1300 is spaced apart from the anvil assembly 1400, and a clamped configuration (see FIG. 7) where the staple cartridge assembly 1300 and the anvil assembly 1400 are approximated. Alternately, the cartridge assembly 1300 can be movably supported in relation to the anvil assembly 1400.

Turning now to FIG. 8, the staple cartridge assembly 1300 includes a carrier 1310 having an elongated support channel 1312. The elongated support channel 1312 is dimensioned and configured to receive a staple cartridge 1314. The staple cartridge assembly 1300 includes a pair of elastic or resilient members 1316 a, 1316 b that are configured and dimensioned to apply and maintain a constant compressive force to the tissue “T” positioned between the staple cartridge assembly 1300 and the anvil assembly 1400 (see FIGS. 15 and 16) of the tool assembly 1200. In embodiments, the pair of elastic or resilient members 1316 a, 1316 b may be configured as two substantially parallel, elongate members that are positioned between the staple cartridge 1314 and a pair of shoulders 1318 a, 1318 b formed on the carrier 1310, respectively. The pair of elastic members 1316 a, 1316 b may be attached to, or otherwise disposed on, the pair of shoulders 1318 a, 1318 b of the carrier 1310, and may be fixedly or releasably attached thereto in alternative embodiments. The pair of elastic members 1316 a, 1316 b is configured to compress to accommodate tissues of different thicknesses between the cartridge assembly 1300 and the anvil assembly 1400. For a more detailed description of the construction and operation of an example of the pair of elastic members 1316 a, 1316 b, reference may be made to U.S. Pat. No. 8,152,041, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference.

The staple cartridge 1314 of the staple cartridge assembly 1300 includes a plurality of staple pockets 1320 that are arranged in rows. The plurality of staple pockets 1320 are dimensioned for receiving the plurality surgical staples 100 and a plurality of pushers 1322, as will be detailed below. The staple cartridge assembly 1300 includes an actuation sled 1324 movably supported with in the elongated support channel 1312 of the carrier 1310. During operation, the actuation sled 1324 is configured to advance along the elongated support channel 1312 of the carrier 1310 to sequentially contact the plurality of pushers 1322, such that the plurality of pushers 1322 are displaced within the plurality of staple pockets 1320 to eject the plurality of surgical staples 100 from the plurality of staple pockets 1320 towards the anvil assembly 1400.

As detailed above with reference to FIGS. 1-4C, the axis “X1-X1” of the second portion 20 of the backspan 12 and the axis “X2-X2” of the third portion 22 of the backspan 12″ are laterally offset from each other by the offset distance “OD”. In order to compensate for the laterally offset orientation of the backspan 12 of the surgical staple 100 and ensure that the first and second legs 14, 16 of each of the plurality of surgical staples 100 are longitudinally aligned relative to the other plurality of surgical staples 100 in a corresponding row of surgical staples 100, the plurality of staple pockets 1320 of the staple cartridge 1314 and a plurality of staple seats 1326 of the plurality of pushers 1322 are dimensioned and shaped as detailed below.

Specifically, with reference to FIGS. 9-11, each of the plurality of staple pockets 1320 of the staple cartridge 1314 includes a contour “C” that corresponds to the orientation of the surgical staple 100 as shown in the top view of the surgical staple 100 in FIG. 3. The contour “C” of the staple pocket 1320 of the staple cartridge 1314 includes a first portion “C1” that is shaped and dimensioned to receive the first leg 14 of the surgical staple 100, a second portion “C2” that is shaped and dimensioned to receive the second leg 16 of the surgical staple 100, and an intermediate portion “C3” positioned between the first portion “C1” and the second portion “C2” that is shaped and dimensioned to receive the backspan 12 of the surgical staple 100. The plurality of staple pockets 1320 of the staple cartridge 1314 are skewingly positioned relative to a longitudinal axis “A-A” of the staple cartridge 1314 such that the first and second legs 14, 16 of each of the plurality of surgical staples 100 are longitudinally aligned relative to the other plurality of surgical staples 100 in the corresponding row of surgical staples 100.

With reference to FIGS. 12-14, each of the plurality of staple seats 1326 of the plurality of pushers 1322 is adapted for releasably receiving the backspan 12 of the surgical staple 100. The staple seat 1326 of the pusher 1322 is skewingly positioned relative to a longitudinal axis “B-B” of the pusher 1322, as illustrated in FIG. 14. It is envisioned that the skewed configuration of the staple seat 1326 of the pusher 1322 is adapted to align the surgical staple 100 with the skewingly positioned staple pocket 1320 of the staple cartridge 1314, as the surgical staple 100 is ejected through the staple pocket 1320 towards the anvil assembly 1400, as illustrated in FIGS. 10, 15, and 16. Specifically, the staple seat 1326 of the pusher 1322 includes a first wall 1326 a projecting from a first portion 1326 b of the staple seat 1326 and towards the staple pocket 1320 of the staple cartridge 1314, and a second wall 1326 c projecting from a second portion 1326 d of the staple seat 1326 and towards the staple pocket 1320 of the staple cartridge 1314. The first and second walls 1326 a, 1326 c of the staple seat 1326 of the pusher 1322 defines a skewed channel 1328 extending between the first and second portions 1326 b, 1326 d of the staple seat 1326 of the pusher 1322. The skewed channel 1328 of the staple seat 1326 is skewingly positioned relative to the longitudinal axis “B-B” of the pusher 1322.

When the surgical staple 100 is located on the staple seat 1326 of the pusher 1322, the first wall 1326 a of the staple seat 1326 is configured to engage the second portion 20 of the backspan 12 and the second wall 1326 b of the staple seat 1326 is configured to engage the third portion 22 of the backspan 12 to releasably receive the backspan 12 of the surgical staple 100. Since the skewed channel 1328 of the staple seat 1326 is skewingly positioned relative to the longitudinal axis “B-B” of the pusher 1322, it is envisioned that when the surgical staple 100 is located on the staple seat 1326 of the pusher 1322, the surgical staple 100 is skewingly positioned relative to the longitudinal axis “B-B” of the pusher 1322, as illustrated in FIGS. 13 and 14.

Turning now to FIGS. 8, 9, 15, and 16, in embodiments, the plurality of staple pockets 1320 are arranged in rows on lateral sides of a knife slot 1330 extending through the staple cartridge 1314 of the staple cartridge assembly 1300. The knife slot 1330 is configured to accommodate movement of a knife 1332, or other such cutting element to sever the tissue “T” (see FIGS. 4A-4C) disposed between the staple cartridge assembly 1300 and the anvil assembly 1400. In embodiments, the knife slot 1330 may extend along a centerline “CL” of the staple cartridge 314 of the staple cartridge assembly 1300, as illustrated in FIG. 8. Alternatively, the knife slot 1330 may be laterally offset from the centerline “CL” of the staple cartridge 1314 of the staple cartridge assembly 1300.

With reference to FIGS. 15 and 16, the anvil assembly 1400 includes a corresponding knife slot 1402 on a tissue-facing surface 1404 of the anvil assembly 1400 that is configured to accommodate movement of the knife 1332. In embodiments, the knife 1332 includes an I-beam configuration such that a top portion 1332 a of the knife 1332 is movably disposed within the knife slot 1402 of the anvil assembly 1400 and a bottom portion 1332 b of the knife 1332 is movably disposed within the knife slot 1330 of the staple cartridge 1314 of the staple cartridge assembly 1300. In any of the embodiments disclosed herein, the knife can have other shapes, or could be part of or attached to the sled.

With continued reference to FIGS. 15 and 16, the knife 1332 includes a height “H”. When the staple cartridge assembly 1300 and the anvil assembly 1400 are approximated and the knife 1332 is translated through the respective knife slots 1330, 1402, the height “H” of the knife 1332 provides for a constant distance “D3” between the anvil assembly 1400 and each of the plurality of staple seats 1326 of the plurality of pushers 1322, regardless of the thickness of the tissue “T” (see FIGS. 4A-4C) disposed between the staple cartridge assembly 1300 and the anvil assembly 1400 and regardless of the positioning of the staple cartridge 1314. The height “H” of the knife 1332 also provides for a maximum tissue gap when the knife 1332 is translated through the respective knife slots 1330, 1402.

Referring now to FIGS. 5-16, in operation, the surgical stapling instrument 1000 is manipulated such that the tissue “T” is disposed between the staple cartridge assembly 1300 and the anvil assembly 1400 with the tool assembly 1200 spaced-apart, in the open configuration (see FIG. 6). The staple cartridge assembly 1300 and the anvil assembly 1400 are then approximated by actuating the movable handle 1003A of the handle assembly 1002 to clamp the tissue “T” disposed between the staple cartridge assembly 1300 and the anvil assembly 1400 such that a compressive force is applied to the tissue “T”.

With the tissue “T” securely clamped between the staple cartridge assembly 1300 and the anvil assembly 1400, the surgical stapling instrument 1000 is then fired to eject the plurality of surgical staples 100 by actuating the movable handle 1003A. Upon firing the surgical stapling instrument 1000, the actuation sled 1324 (FIG. 8) advances along the elongated support channel 1312 of the carrier 1310 to sequentially contact the plurality of pushers 1322, such that the plurality of pushers 1322 are displaced within the plurality of staple pockets 1320 to eject the plurality of surgical staples 100 from the plurality of staple pockets 1320 towards the anvil assembly 1400.

The plurality of surgical staples 100 pass through the plurality of staple pockets 1320 of the staple cartridge 1314 (see FIG. 8) and through the tissue “T”. After passing through the tissue “T,” the plurality of surgical staples 100 engage the tissue-facing surface 1404 of the anvil assembly 1400 and are deformed into the substantially B-staple configuration (see FIGS. 4A-4C). Upon formation within the tissue “T,” the plurality of surgical staples 100 maintain a compressive force on the tissue “T” to effect hemostasis.

Sequential firing of the surgical staples 100 continues until the actuation sled 1324 is advanced to a distal end of the staple cartridge 1314, at which time all of the plurality of surgical staples 100 housed the staple cartridge 1314 will have been ejected. The knife 1332 may then be translated through the tool assembly 1200 to form an incision between the rows of stapled tissue “T”.

In any of the embodiments disclosed herein, the tool assembly can be incorporated with the elongate portion of the handle assembly. The staple cartridge can be a removable and replaceable assembly, in an instrument with a replaceable loading unit or tool assembly or incorporated tool assembly.

The surgical staples described herein can be utilized in a configuration where the backspan is not intended to be deformed. In certain embodiments, the backspan can be configured to house a material or object, with a deformable backspan or a backspan that is not deformable. The material or object can include medically useful materials such as a hemostat or sealant, pharmaceuticals such as chemotheraphy agents, and even radio-active agents such as brachytherapy particles or seeds. Such materials or objects can be disposed in the opening formed by the looped member or incorporated in a mesh, woven, braided, non-woven material, or a suture, that is disposed in the looped member.

It will be understood that various modifications may be made to the embodiments disclosed herein. For example, the above described staple may be formed from any of a variety of surgically acceptable materials including titanium, plastics, resorbable materials, etc. Therefore, the above description should not be construed as limiting, but merely as exemplifications of preferred embodiments. Those skilled in the art will envision other modifications within the scope and spirit of the claims appended hereto. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A staple cartridge assembly for use with a surgical stapling instrument, the staple cartridge assembly comprising: a plurality of surgical staples supported in a spaced relation to each other, each of the plurality of surgical staples including: a first leg having a first end portion and a second end portion; a second leg having a first end portion and a second end portion; and a backspan including: a first portion having a looped member, the looped member including a first end portion and a second end portion; a second portion extending between the first end portion of the first leg and the first end portion of the looped member; and a third portion extending between the first end portion of the second leg and the second end portion of the looped member; a staple cartridge having a plurality of staple pockets disposed in rows and skewingly positioned relative to a longitudinal axis of the staple cartridge, wherein each of the plurality of staple pockets is configured to receive at least one of the plurality of surgical staples such that the first leg and the second leg of each of the plurality of surgical staples is longitudinally aligned relative to the first leg and the second leg of each of the other plurality of surgical staples; and a plurality of pushers, each of the plurality of pushers associated with a respective one of the plurality of staple pockets and each of the plurality of pushers configured to advance one of the plurality of surgical staples from the respective one of the plurality of staple pockets.
 2. The staple cartridge assembly according to claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of staple pockets includes a contour having a first segment shaped and dimensioned to receive the first leg of the surgical staple, a second segment shaped and dimensioned to receive the second leg of the surgical staple, and an intermediate segment shaped and dimensioned to receive the backspan of the surgical staple, wherein the contour of each of the plurality of staple pockets are skewingly positioned relative to the longitudinal axis of the staple cartridge.
 3. The staple cartridge assembly according to claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of pushers includes a staple seat configured to releasably receive a respective backspan of each of the plurality of surgical staples, the staple seat being skewingly positioned relative to a longitudinal axis of each of the plurality of pushers, wherein the staple seat of each of the plurality of pushers is adapted to align each of the plurality of surgical staples with each of the plurality of staple pockets of the staple cartridge.
 4. The staple cartridge assembly according to claim 3, wherein the staple seat of each of the plurality of pushers includes a first wall projecting from a first portion of the staple seat, and a second wall projecting from a second portion of the staple seat, the first wall and the second wall defining a skewed channel extending between the first portion of the staple seat and the second portion of the staple seat, the skewed channel being skewingly positioned relative to the longitudinal axis of the pusher.
 5. The staple cartridge assembly according to claim 4, wherein the skewed channel of the staple seat of each of the plurality of pushers is adapted to releasably receive the respective backspan of each of the plurality of surgical staples such that each of the plurality of surgical staples are skewingly positioned on the staple seat of each of the plurality of pushers relative to the longitudinal axis of each of the plurality of pushers.
 6. The staple cartridge assembly according to claim 4, wherein when each of the plurality of surgical staples are positioned on a respective staple seat of each of the plurality of pushers, the first wall of respective staple seat is configured to engage the second portion of the respective backspan of each of the plurality of surgical staples and the second wall of the respective staple seat is configured to engage the third portion of the respective backspan of each of the plurality of surgical staples to releasably receive the respective backspan of each of the plurality of surgical staples. 